Financial Assistance

LETTING KIDS BE KIDS:
October Fund Supports Children’s Recreational Activities

The Arthritis Foundation, New York Chapter has provided help and hope to families affected by childhood arthritis for many years. The Chapter is pleased to introduce a source of financial support for children with arthritis, the October Fund. The fund provides partial or complete payment of after-school or summer activities for children with arthritis.

Much like arthritis in adults, childhood arthritis is painful, limits activity, and in sever cases can cause disability. We know that families confronting juvenile arthritis face many financial and psychological challenges. The goal of the October Fund is to enable children with arthritis to be children and to participate in their childhood as actively as possible.

The fund will provide financial assistance for recreational activities of interest to children and their families. Although having arthritis qualifies children to apply, arthritis focused activities are not necessary or recommended. Any recreational activity that allows children to socialize and interact with their peers is appropriate. Possible activities include, but are not limited to, art classes, dance courses, swim lessons, or summer day camp.

The October Fund was given its name and its mission by Lindsay Goldstein, a young woman who contracted arthritis in October of 1989, when she was eleven. Despite the pain and debilitation of the disease, the side effects of medication, and the emotional trials, Lindsay considers herself “one of the lucky ones” among the 285,000 American youngsters with arthritis. “My family has been able to provide me with those extra ‘necessities’ that aren’t always recognized as such,” including opportunities for exercise and recreation.

Based on availability of resources, the October Fund will award between $200 and $800 to a child, depending on family financial need and the range of activities undertaken.

For an application or for more information contact:

The October Fund
Arthritis Foundation, New York Chapter
122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10168-1898
(212) 984-8712
info.ny@arthritis.org

DIRECT PATIENT ASSISTANCE

A financial program for the daily needs of people with arthritis.

This program is supported by a grant from The Emily Griggs Fund of The New York Community Trust.

Direct Patient Assistance

Arthritis can severely limit an individual’s capabilities; daily activities such as housecleaning, taking public transportation, walking without support, or sitting down can become impossible tasks for the arthritis patient.

The New York Chapter has offered financial assistance for more than twenty years to low–income individuals who have arthritis. Through the Direct Patient Assistance program, the New York Chapter seeks to improve the quality of life of the arthritis patient by providing up to $400 per year for partial or complete payment of daily needs such as housekeeping services, transportation, or equipment.

Financial Program

The Direct Patient Assistance program can help pay for:

Housekeeping services
Transportation services
Equipment that improves the patient’s daily life

The New York Chapter provides financial assistance only; the applicant and/or the applicant’s social service agency must make arrangements for the services or equipment purchases.

For an application please call:

(212) 984-8712
or write to:

Direct Patient Assistance
Arthritis Foundation, New York Chapter
122 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10168-1898
info.ny@arthritis.org